Coetzee upset by fixture list

Stormers boss Allister Coetzee has spoken out over the proposed fixture list scheduled for his team in Super Rugby next season.

Stormers boss Allister Coetzee has spoken out over the proposed fixture list scheduled for his team in Super Rugby next season.

The Stormers finished seventh overall and third in the South African Conference in 2013 following the final round of matches last weekend.

Coetzee stated that a "tough" fixture list was a key factor in his side's struggles this season, before going on to say that the provisional list of possible fixtures for next season - including matches against four playoff contenders from 2013 - was "crazy."

2013 saw the Stormers open their campaign with away fixtures against the Bulls and Sharks, before facing the Chiefs, Brumbies and Crusaders at home.

The final list of fixtures will be confirmed in October, although any modifications to the list, despite teams being able to raise their grievances, are highly unlikely.

"Our fixture list was tough and that's one of the lessons we have had to take on board - how to deal with it," said Coetzee to TimesLive.

"I've seen a provisional fixture list for next season and on tour we have the Crusaders, Chiefs, Brumbies and Reds, which is crazy. We're definitely going to lodge a complaint about it."